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General Medication Fact Sheet for Alphagan
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Alphagan |
| Generic Name | Brimonidine Tartrate |
| Purpose | To lower intraocular (eye) pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension |
| Mechanism of Action | Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, reducing aqueous humor production and increasing uveoscleral outflow |
| Dosage Forms | Ophthalmic solution (eye drops) |
| Available Strengths | 0.1%, 0.15%, 0.2% |
| Dosage Frequency | Typically one drop in the affected eye(s) two or three times daily, approximately 8 hours apart |
| Common Side Effects | Eye redness, burning or stinging, blurred vision, dry mouth, headache, allergic conjunctivitis |
| Serious Side Effects | Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling), decreased blood pressure, fainting, slow heart rate |
| Drug Interactions | Antihypertensives, cardiac glycosides, CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, barbiturates, opioids), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants |
| Important Notes | Remove contact lenses before instilling drops and wait 15 minutes before reinserting; use caution when driving or operating machinery due to potential blurred vision or drowsiness; inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you are taking |
| Storage | Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture; keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use |
| Missed Dose | Instill the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Timolol, Latanoprost, Dorzolamide, Brinzolamide |
Alphagan Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Timolol | Beta-adrenergic receptor blocker, reduces aqueous humor production | A commonly prescribed first-line treatment for glaucoma; may not be suitable for patients with certain heart or lung conditions. |
| Latanoprost | Prostaglandin analog, increases uveoscleral outflow | Another commonly prescribed first-line treatment; may cause changes in iris pigmentation. |
| Dorzolamide | Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, reduces aqueous humor production | Often used in combination with other glaucoma medications. |
Alphagan Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Eye redness | Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) |
| Burning or stinging | Decreased blood pressure |
| Blurred vision | Fainting |
| Dry mouth | Slow heart rate |
| Headache | Neurotoxicity |
| Allergic conjunctivitis | Angle Closure Glaucoma |
Alphagan Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open-Angle Glaucoma | One drop in affected eye(s) | One drop in affected eye(s) two or three times daily | Instill drops approximately 8 hours apart; remove contact lenses before use. |
| Ocular Hypertension | One drop in affected eye(s) | One drop in affected eye(s) two or three times daily | Instill drops approximately 8 hours apart; remove contact lenses before use. |
Alphagan Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance (co-pay) | $20 – $60 (varies by plan) |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $197.83 |
| From Canada | $39.95 |
